Captain Barnes was a career naval officer. He graduated form the US Naval Academy in 1933 and received training in submarines. He attended Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron training in Rhode island prior to commanding MTBS 15 in the Mediterrean. He participated in the campaigns in Tunisia, Sicily, and in the invasion of Southern France. He was in a joint command under the British in the Mediterranean and considered it the most unique and challenging aspect of his career. In 1948-1949 he attended the Naval War College and later served on the staff for three years. Prior to retirement, he held destroyer commands and served in various capacities in the CNO's office.